Somalia opposition vows to press ahead with planned anti-Govt protest 

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali opposition figures said they will go ahead with a planned demonstration in the capital on Sunday, May 10, defying authorities as they accuse the federal government of forced evictions and destruction of civilian homes.

Opposition politicians meeting in Mogadishu reaffirmed their call for the protest, which they say is aimed at opposing what they describe as ongoing displacement operations in parts of the capital.

Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, a leading opposition lawmaker, said the rally would be peaceful and intended to defend the rights of those affected.

“The demonstration is peaceful. It is against the eviction and land grabbing targeting Somali citizens,” he said, alleging that hundreds of thousands of people had been removed from their homes and businesses.

He urged residents, particularly those displaced, to take part in the protests, saying: “Everyone should return to the place they were evicted from to show their rights.”

Former prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire also said demonstrations would continue until affected communities received what he described as justice and restitution.

The federal government has not yet publicly responded to the latest opposition statements.

GAROWE ONLINE